Summary

Youth Commission
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Virtually

6:00 pm
 

Members Present – G. Munoz Arias, J. Division Martinez, S. Segura, J. Tineo, K. Shapiro, M. Hutchinson, W. Butler, W. Butler

Others Present – S. Smith, L. Kelleher, J. Zabala, M. Goodman-Hinnershitz, C. Johnson, F. Denbowski, M. Detterline, L. Sihelnik
 

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Sihelnik called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm. 

Ms. Sihelnik welcomed all to the inaugural meeting of the Youth Commission.  She thanked members for their dedication to creating a better Reading.  She stated that she and Councilor Ventura are the Council liaisons to the Commission.  She stated that she is proud and honored to see the leadership and future of Reading.  She stated that the Youth Commission has the full support of the City.

Ms. Sihelnik introduced Mr. Zabala and stated that he and Mr. Detterline have been working to shape the Commission and to provide opportunities to Commission members.  She stated that serving on the Commission will open doors to growth and leadership.  She stated that Mr. Zabala will serve as the moderator and that he has much knowledge.
 

SWEARING IN CEREMONY

Ms. Sihelnik introduced MDJ Johnson.

MDJ Johnson stated that she is extremely proud to participate in this meeting and proud of the Commission members.  She stated that she is thankful for their leadership.

MDJ Johnson administered the oath to each Commission member present.

Ms. Cepeda-Freytiz arrived during the swearing in process.

MDJ Johnson thanked the Commission for the opportunity to participate.  She reminded members that they are now serving in a leadership role. 

Ms. Sihelnik thanked MDJ Johnson for her participation.  She stated that membership is now official.

MDJ Johnson had another commitment and left the meeting at this time.
 

INTRODUCTIONS

Mr. Zabala stated that much work has occurred behind the scenes to activate the Youth Commission.  He stated that the Youth Commission members are the leaders of the next generation.

Youth Commission members introduced themselves:

• Munoz Arias stated that she is representing Council District 6. She stated that she joined to give a voice to youth residents and to work to ensure that young people stay in Reading. She noted the need for professional opportunities to ensure they stay and stated that many people leave Reading believing that there are is no potential.  She also noted the need to reduce teen pregnancy rates.
• Wynton Butler stated that he represents Council District 4. He noted the need to address injustices in Reading. He noted his hope to learn and understand how legislation is part of the justice process.  He noted the need to serve residents and to make Reading a better place to call home.  He noted the need for growth and prosperity.
• Wesley Butler stated that he is representing Council District 4. He stated that he agreed with the need to keep young people from leaving Reading. He noted the need for good paying jobs and increased homeownership.  He noted the need for clean and safe streets and to increase recreational opportunities.  He also noted the need to address mental health issues.
• Segura stated that she represents Council District 5. She noted her hope to have the opportunity to address issues to make Reading a better place. She agreed that mental health needs to be addressed and that there is not enough focus on mental health issues.

Rep. Guzman joined the meeting at this time.

• Division Martinez stated that she represents Council District 3. She noted her hope to speak on behalf of all Reading youth and provide a youth perspective to City leaders. She noted the need to address mental health issues, homelessness, and to increase after school opportunities.
• Shapiro stated that she represents Council District 1. She agreed that mental health needs to be addressed, especially due to the required social distancing to follow COVID protocols. She also noted the need for additional recreational opportunities.
• Hutchinson stated that she represents Council District 1. She noted the need to show that young people can do big things. She noted the need to address pollution and homelessness.
• Tineo stated that he is representing Council District 6. He noted the need for youth to understand the political platform and how to address issues within protocols. He noted the need for self-expression.  He expressed the belief that Reading is an amazing city and that most residents are non-judgmental.  He noted the need to increase the youth voice and to be yourself.  He noted the need to beautify the City, reduce litter and for residents to have pride of place.

Mr. Zabala stated that these are great topics and that they will be used to set future agendas.
 

EXPECTATIONS & STRUCTURE

Mr. Zabala reviewed the Youth Commission legislation.  He stated that all are accountable and that the Commission will open lines of communication with officials.  He noted the need for youth perspectives.
 

Ms. Sihelnik stated that as Council liaison she will assist the Commission and be their biggest champion.  She stated that Councilors are available and noted her hope to foster strong relationships.
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Ms. Goodman-Hinnershitz noted her hope that Youth Commission members would observe other City meetings, especially City Council meetings.  She stated that she is also willing to facilitate.  She noted the need for Commission members to help educate their peers.

Ms. Sihelnik stated that Council will also be formally appointing Mr. Zabala.  She stated that Ms. Ventura will also be attending meetings as her schedule allows.
 

Ms. Cepeda-Freytiz stated that she is very excited.  She expressed the belief that Commission members are amazing young role models that can make great things happen.  She stated that she is also available to facilitate and assist the Commission.  She thanked Ms. Sihelnik for her work to activate the Youth Commission.  She also thanked Mr. Zabala.
 

Mr. Zabala noted his hope that the Commission would meet two times per month.  The group agreed to meet once per month.
 

Rep. Guzman stated that the State legislature should also be considering the youth’s perspective.  He stated that he is glad to see Reading move this initiative forward.  He stated that he is also available to assist and that the Commission has his support.  He suggested that the Commission bring bold and progressive ideas forward.  He stated that members are pioneers of Reading’s future.  He noted the need to rely on youth’s expertise.  He noted the need for advocacy.
 

Mr. Zabala reviewed the basics of Roberts Rules and explained that the Commission will follow these procedures loosely.  He requested that members review this information because the rules will be practiced at the next meeting.  He stated that members should view a City Council business meeting to see the rules being followed more formally.  He noted his understanding that members have many ideas and viewpoints but that meetings must maintain order.
 

Ms. Sihelnik stated that there is much to learn.  She noted the need for members to understand the rules of meeting order and why it is important.  She stated that understanding processes will increase the effectiveness of the Youth Commission meetings.  She expressed the belief that this is a great platform to learn and participate in government.  She noted her hope that the Youth Commission would be a change agent.
 

Mr. Zabala stated that he also has much to learn.
 

Ms. Goodman-Hinnershitz stated that much information has been reviewed this evening.  She suggested that members review the information and bring their questions to the next meeting.  She suggested that Council provide a copy of Roberts Rules to the Youth Commission as a gift.  She agreed that meetings run more smoothly when rules are followed.  She stated that City Council and the Board of Directors of the Reading School District both follow Roberts rules.  She suggested that members watch a meeting before their next meeting to see the rules in action.
 

GUESTS AT FUTURE MEETINGS

Mr. Tineo requested a presentation on opening a business in Reading.  He noted the need for all businesses to operate legally and to pay all required taxes and not to have employees working under the table.  He expressed the belief that opening a business in Reading seems more complicated than it should be and that the process takes longer than in other municipalities.
 

Mr. Wynton Butler requested the Police Chief to review police policies.  He noted the need to understand these policies.

Mr. Wesley Butler requested having an MDJ explain landlord / tenant and property maintenance issues.
 

Ms. Munoz Arias suggested that the Youth Commission partner with community activists.  She noted the need to combine to have a larger impact.

Mr. Zabala suggested that other suggestions be emailed to him.
 

Ms. Munoz Arias questioned the process to get projects started.  Mr. Zabala stated that ideas should be brought forward.  He stated that after there is consensus, a project can move forward.  He noted the need to report to City Council and the Mayor.
 

Mr. Detterline stated that the duties of this commission were intentionally written broadly so the Commission can move forward in a direction that it sets itself. He stated that this will be discussed in more detail at a future meeting.
 

Ms. Sihelnik stated that the Youth Commission is advisory.  She stated that great topics have been brought forward.  She noted the need for the Commission to learn about a topic and bring their recommendations to City Council and the Mayor.  She stated that if legislation is needed City Council will discuss the recommendation further.  She explained that legislation (laws) are created by Council and that Council also oversees the City’s budget.  She stated that she looks forward to hearing the youth’s perspective on issues.  She noted the need to walk through the process together.
 

Ms. Cepeda-Freytiz encouraged members to walk through their respective Districts.  She noted the need to recognize what the District has to offer and what is needed.  She also suggested that members identify other youth to serve on subcommittees and to prepare others to serve on the Commission or other boards, authorities or commissions.  She noted the need for members to be active in their community.
 

NEXT MEETING

Mr. Zabala suggested that the Commission meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 pm for consistency.  He thanked all for coming forward to serve and for participating in this meeting. 
 

Mr. Detterline stated that he has been working behind the scenes.  He stated that Reading City and the Reading School District serve the same people and have many of the same goals.
 

Ms. Sihelnik stated that municipal meetings can be viewed through the City’s website. 
 

The next regular meeting of the Youth Commission will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 5 at 6 pm.

Motion was made by Wesley Butler, seconded by Ms. Munoz Arias, to adjourn the meeting.  The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
 

Respectfully submitted by

Shelly Smith, CMC

 Deputy City Clerk